Local Business
Hawaiian Bros Opens First Glenwood, Illinois Location—Grand Opening Set for Feb. 16
Hawaiian Bros opens its first Glenwood, Illinois restaurant Feb. 16 with giveaways for the first 100 customers, VIP events Feb. 14, and island-inspired plate lunches.
Hawaiian Bros Opens First Glenwood, Illinois Location With Grand Opening Giveaways
GLENWOOD, Ill. — Hawaiian Bros is officially expanding its Chicagoland footprint with its first Glenwood, Illinois location, opening Feb. 16 at 18851 S Halsted St (60425).
The island-inspired fast-casual brand is marking the launch with a grand opening celebration starting at 11 a.m. on Feb. 16. Hawaiian Bros says the first 100 customers in line will receive a free t-shirt and a gift card ranging from $25 to $500 (with purchase)—and one winner will be selected for Hawaiian Bros for a year.
Ahead of opening day, the company is also hosting VIP events on Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hawaiian Bros says first responders, medical personnel, academic staff, students, and local business employees will be treated to a free classic Plate Lunch.
Hawaiian Bros is known for its island-inspired plate lunch—typically chicken or pork with sweet, savory, or spicy sauces, served with macaroni salad and steamed white rice or vegetables. For dessert, the brand highlights its Dole Soft Serve®. The company also emphasizes that it doesn’t rely on freezers or microwaves, focusing instead on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Hawaiian Bros currently operates 70+ restaurants across 14 states and has expanded franchise opportunities since 2023.
What to watch for
- How early the line forms: The first 100 customers get the biggest perks, so timing could be everything.
- Community turnout at VIP events (Feb. 14): Free plate lunches for local groups could drive strong early word-of-mouth.
- Southland fast-casual competition: This opening adds another high-energy, limited-menu concept to the local mix—worth tracking for repeat traffic and reviews.
Learn more:https://hawaiianbros.com/
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Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Food and Beverage
Dirty Birds Expands to Downtown Long Beach, Signaling Continued Urban Revival
San Diego’s Dirty Birds sports bar is opening a new location in Downtown Long Beach, highlighting the city’s ongoing revitalization and growth ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Downtown Long Beach is getting a flavorful new addition as The Bascom Group announces a lease agreement bringing San Diego’s popular sports bar chain Dirty Birds to a prime retail space at 200 Pine Avenue.
The deal marks another milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Long Beach, particularly within its bustling downtown entertainment corridor.
A Prime Location in the Heart of Downtown
The newly leased space spans 3,039 square feet on the ground floor of 200 Pine Avenue, a six-story office tower that has undergone significant renovations in recent years. The building, a recognizable fixture in the downtown skyline, includes:
- Class “A” upgraded common areas
- A 123-stall parking structure
- Strong tenant retention history
- Existing retail neighbors like Agaves Kitchen & Tequila and Agaves Ultra Lounge
An additional 4,923-square-foot lower-level space remains available and is already attracting interest for a potential speakeasy-style nightclub concept.
Dirty Birds Brings Its Signature Energy North
Founded in San Diego, Dirty Birds has built a loyal following as a high-energy sports bar known for:
- Award-winning chicken wings with unique flavors like Dirty Blue and Apple Bourbon Chipotle
- A lively, fan-focused atmosphere filled with sports memorabilia
- A diverse menu including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and craft beer
With multiple locations across San Diego neighborhoods like Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and near San Diego State University, the brand has established itself as a go-to destination for sports fans.
Its expansion into Long Beach represents a strategic move into a rapidly growing urban market.
Downtown Long Beach’s Ongoing Transformation
The arrival of Dirty Birds reflects broader momentum in downtown Long Beach, fueled by public and private investment. According to Bascom leadership, the area is experiencing a surge in activity driven by:
- Community events like the DTLB Live! series
- Streetscape and public space improvements
- Increased residential and mixed-use development
Nearby landmarks include:
- Billie Jean King Main Library
- Long Beach City Hall
- Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
The location also benefits from excellent transit access, including proximity to the Metro A Line.
Olympic Spotlight and Future Growth
Looking ahead, Long Beach is poised for global attention as a key venue city for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The city is expected to host 11 sporting events, making it one of the most active Olympic hubs outside Los Angeles itself.
This global spotlight is accelerating over $1.7 billion in development projects, including:
- Waterfront transformations
- Expanded residential housing
- Infrastructure upgrades through the Elevate 28 program
What This Means for Long Beach
The addition of Dirty Birds is more than just a new restaurant—it’s another indicator of a city on the rise. As downtown Long Beach continues to evolve into a vibrant live-work-play destination, high-profile tenants like Dirty Birds help:
- Strengthen the local economy
- Enhance nightlife and dining options
- Attract both residents and visitors
With an anticipated opening later this year, Dirty Birds is set to become a new hotspot for sports fans and food lovers alike.
Related Links
- 200 Pine Avenue Property Details
- LoopNet Listing for 200 Pine Avenue
- The Bascom Group Official Website
- Downtown Long Beach Plan
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Food and Beverage
Chicken Salad Chick Heads to Las Vegas with Six-Unit Nevada Deal, Signaling Southwest Expansion
Chicken Salad Chick is officially heading to Nevada.
The fast-casual concept announced a six-unit franchise development agreement that will bring the brand’s first-ever Nevada locations to the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The move marks a new milestone in Chicken Salad Chick’s push beyond the Southeast—and a clear signal that the brand is serious about building momentum in the Southwest.
Who’s bringing Chicken Salad Chick to Las Vegas
The development is being led by Mark and Cayla Rubalcaba, a husband-and-wife team and longtime Las Vegas residents whose professional backgrounds span hospitality, marketing, and education.
Mark Rubalcaba brings leadership experience in hospitality and gaming, including roles with MGM Resorts International and BetMGM. Cayla Rubalcaba completed hospitality training through MGM Resorts’ Management Associate Program and also spent five years as a biological science teacher at Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School.
They’re joined in the venture by Cayla’s father, Anton Nikodemus, a seasoned hospitality executive who will serve as a strategic partner supporting the group’s long-term development efforts.
A personal connection to the brand
The Rubalcabas say their connection to Chicken Salad Chick began at Auburn University, where they first experienced the brand and developed a lasting appreciation for its hospitality and culture of service.
“Our long-term goal is to help Chicken Salad Chick thrive in Las Vegas while contributing to the brand’s continued growth nationwide,” Mark Rubalcaba said, adding that the group is focused on building a business that reflects the brand’s values—bringing people together, fostering community, and becoming a lasting staple in the Las Vegas Valley.
“We fell in love with Chicken Salad Chick during our time at Auburn, and it’s always felt like more than just a restaurant,” Cayla Rubalcaba said. “Having the opportunity to bring a brand that means so much to us to our hometown is incredibly meaningful.”
Why Nevada matters in Chicken Salad Chick’s growth strategy
Chicken Salad Chick framed the Nevada agreement as part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at high-growth Western markets.
The company notes that Nevada was one of five new states opened for development in 2025, alongside Arizona, New Jersey, New York, and Utah. Notably, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah are all in the Southwest—underscoring a focused push into the region.
“The Southwest represents one of the most exciting growth regions for our brand,” said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick, calling the Nevada entry a key milestone in the brand’s westward development strategy.
A fast-growing franchise system
Chicken Salad Chick says it continues to build momentum nationally. In what it described as a record-breaking 2025, the brand reported awarding nearly 100 new restaurant deals and celebrating 42 openings across 13 states, with dozens of additional locations in development.
The company also pointed to multiple industry recognitions, including being named one of QSR Magazine’s Best Franchise Deals for four years and ranking No. 3 in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers.
What Chicken Salad Chick serves
For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, Chicken Salad Chick serves Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch, with more than a dozen flavor options, plus fresh sides, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts.
Learn more
For franchising information, visit chickensaladchick.com/franchising.
Source: PRNewswire
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Tucson just got a taste of a New York classic.
Nathan’s Famous announced the opening of a new restaurant at 628 North 4th Avenue in Tucson, bringing its world-famous hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, and a full fast-casual menu to one of the city’s most walkable, student-heavy corridors. The spot sits steps from the University of Arizona and close to the free 4th Street streetcar stop, making it an easy grab for students, locals, and visitors moving through the historic 4th Avenue district.
What’s on the menu
The Tucson restaurant is built around the staples Nathan’s is known for—fast, familiar, and designed for groups with different cravings.
Expect the brand’s headline items, including:
- World-famous all-beef hot dogs
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Fresh Angus burgers
- Hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders
- Chicken wings
- NY Cheesesteaks
- Premium hand-spun shakes
In other words: it’s not just a hot dog counter. It’s the full Nathan’s fast-casual lineup, positioned to serve families, students, and anyone looking for a quick meal before a game, a night out, or a streetcar ride across town.
Why Tucson—and why 4th Avenue?
Nathan’s Famous framed the opening as a natural fit for Tucson’s energy and foot traffic.
“We’re proud to bring Nathan’s Famous to Arizona,” said Phil McCann, Vice President of Marketing at Nathan’s Famous, noting the brand’s excitement to partner with a local franchisee and bring the “Flavor of New York” to the state.
That franchisee is Michael Kramkowski, who the company says has been active in the community for more than 20 years and owns multiple properties in the area. In the announcement, Kramkowski emphasized that his goal was to bring an iconic national brand to Tucson while still complementing the independent spirit of 4th Avenue.
“I wanted to bring a brand to Tucson that has a strong, authentic heritage,” Kramkowski said. “Nathan’s Famous is an American icon, and this location is the perfect fit—close to the University, accessible by streetcar and right in the middle of Tucson’s most dynamic neighborhoods.”
The bigger picture: a century-old brand still expanding
Nathan’s Famous has been serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, and the company continues to grow its footprint through restaurants, licensing, and foodservice distribution.
For Tucson, the appeal is straightforward: a recognizable, heritage brand landing in a high-traffic neighborhood with built-in demand—students, families, and visitors exploring the entertainment district.
For more information on Nathan’s Famous locations and menus, visit https://restaurants.nathansfamous.com/.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
